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Sources of support

There are many sources of support for people facing cancer. These include visitation programs like the American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery® program (for women with breast cancer), ostomy education (for patients with stomas on the belly), and laryngectomy clubs (for those who have lost their natural voice because of cancer surgery).

The American Cancer Society I Can Cope® program is another good source of support and information. It can help you learn more about cancer diagnosis, treatment, side effects, nutrition, and other topics of interest to people with cancer and those close to them.

Everyone, no matter how emotionally strong they are, can use support. Try to understand what the person is going through – by listening, offering a hand, and giving encouragement along the way. Encouraging and supporting someone does not mean you act like a cheerleader, or that you try to make them feel good when they’re feeling bad. It’s important to allow the person with cancer to express anger, frustration, and sad feelings. You can encourage them by saying things like, “I’m sorry you’re feeling so bad. I can’t imagine how you feel, but I am here to listen anytime you need to talk.” Or maybe, “You have one more round of chemo. Maybe when that’s over, you’ll start feeling a little better.”

Everyone, no matter how emotionally strong they are, can be helped by support.

In fact, just listening and not talking is probably more helpful than saying the wrong thing. Some of the wrong things to say are “I know how you feel,” when you clearly don’t; or “It will be better tomorrow,” when you can’t be sure of that either. Even though you may say these things with the best of intentions, the person may feel like you really don’t understand and decide that it doesn’t help to talk to you. You must listen with your ears and your heart. As one person with cancer put it, “A long illness is so discouraging. You need people to get you through it.” Having a good support system means the person does not have to face cancer alone.